Top Five Most Iconic Halloween Costumes

On every October 31st, we all know the films that will get us in the annual spooky mood. Whether this is a Stephen King adaptation, The Ring, Friday the 13th, or Mean Girls, there are many things taken from popular culture that we associate with Halloween. The same can be said when it comes to one of the key components of the holiday – dressing up.

In the last 18 months, one of the most popular costumes, or perhaps pair of costumes, has become Harley Quinn and Joker from Suicide Squad. Despite the fact that the film itself received mixed critique, there seemed to be a unanimous belief that dressing up as the Gotham couple, or either one of the two individual characters, was a trendy choice, at least during this time last year. Celebrities to your average, everyday pair were dressing up as these two with extravagant hair, makeup, and accessories.

Unsurprisingly, in the last two years, one of the most talked-about people in the world has been none other than the current US President Donald Trump (usually not for the right reasons). When it comes down to it, he has become one of the most iconic and recognisable television and political personalities for the last few decades and has now seemingly become a high demand Halloween costume inspiration. According to the UK’s biggest costume company Angels Fancy Dress, Mr Trump’s recognisable attire and hair have become very popular off the back of political debate and controversy. We wonder if the feeling of cosplayers on the night of October 31st was the same just over a week later on election night…

It is safe to say that for the past 40 years, Star Wars has been one of the most popular culture phenomenons that there has been, especially when it comes to the science fiction genre. To showcase the love for the franchise, fans poured into cinemas in December 2015 after the confusing and underwhelming release of the prequels in the 1990s. Star Wars: The Force Awakens in total grossed over $2 billion, making it one of the few films in history to pass the threshold. The cosplay trend has been strong with the franchise through the decades with likely millions dressing up as characters such as Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Rey every year.

The costume that stretches back the farthest on this list has to be the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in 1961. The classic black dress, black gloves, pearls, and cigarette holder are universally known. The dress, designed by Hubert de Givenchy himself, has been labelled the most famous little black dress, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the most famous Halloween costumes. Its significance in popular culture for the past 50 years has meant that, although a simple ensemble, the statement dress in addition to its matched accessories can be recognised almost anywhere.

Finally, it would seem unfair to mention some of the biggest cultural film classics without mentioning a television counterpart. As a programme rated the ‘biggest show on television’ with the largest casts and units, Game of Thrones, according to its fans and critics, has earned itself a safe position in the Halloween costume market. Many aspects of the HBO show has become so known that even those who may not be familiar with the show may still perhaps know about the mythical dragons, white walkers, or giants that have graced multiple Game of Thrones scenes. Whether people are dressing up as Khaleesi or Jon Snow, we are sure that even long after the show’s conclusion, these costumes will still be regarded as significant Halloween statement wear.